Chapter Sixteen
Ten days later, Teagan rolled onto her side and snuggled into Aaron’s warm body. His strong arms instantly went around her, and his gravelly voice filled the room in a poor Irish accent. “Top of the morning to you.”
Teagan sighed and pinched his skin. “I told you to stop that. I’m not a cartoon leprechaun.”
“Then maybe you should show me your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
She opened her mouth, but his finger danced between her thighs and she sucked in a breath. Aaron chuckled. “It looks like I found it.”
Hitching a leg over his hip, she answered, “Maybe I should cut off access until you stop with the horrible Irish accents and leprechaun jokes.”
He lightly pushed a finger inside her entrance, which was already wet and swollen. “You wouldn’t last a day.”
Aaron removed his finger, positioned his cock, and thrust inside. Not for the first time, Teagan was glad she’d been on birth control long enough to feel every inch of him. “Do you really want to throw down that challenge?”
He moved his hips in gentle strokes. “What I want to do is distract you.”
As he pressed against her clit, Teagan moaned. “One day, sex isn’t going to work as a distraction, Aaron Caruso.”
Increasing the friction against her sensitive nub, he murmured, “You say that every time.”
She kissed him and focused on matching his rhythm with her hips. It wasn’t long before she cried out and pleasure coursed through her body. Aaron stilled and held her close as he came shortly after.
Teagan laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. She treasured the morning ritual of teasing and sex. In a short time, Aaron had become an essential part of her life.
She’d find out later in the day if she would be lucky enough to keep him.
Her beast spoke up. Of course we will. Don’t doubt we will win.
I don’t want to, but I have a sense that something bad is about to happen.
Weren’t you just castigating Aaron for superstitions?
It’s not the same thing.
Aaron’s deep voice rumbled in his chest. “Are you nervous?”
With anyone else, Teagan would have to be strong. But not with Aaron. “A little. I know I’ve done all I can to prepare for the leadership challenge, but all it takes is one person violating the rules and killing me to end it.”
Aaron placed a finger under her chin and forced her to look up at him. “Observers and judges will be watching at various stations in the area. Also, doctors from several clans will be at the ready. Killian won’t let any of the participants die.”
She nodded. “I know. If anyone can keep us all alive, it’s Killian. It’s just that things have been a little too quiet recently, and that makes me worry.”
Aaron growled. “Nothing will happen to you, Teagan. If I have to dive down and take a bullet to protect you, I will. I love you.”
She paused and asked slowly, “You love me?”
Aaron sighed. “Yes, Teagan, I love you. Don’t sound so surprised.”
Considering Aaron had supported her every day during the last two weeks, even when she had wanted nothing more than to spar and get out pent-up frustration, she shouldn’t question him.
Her dragon roared. You love him, too. Why is it so hard to say?
Because it starts yet another battle, and he might grow tired of fighting.
Aaron’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Talk to me, not your dragon. Do you doubt my words?” He cupped her cheek and continued before she could reply, “I love how you care for your clan, how you’re willing to take up a fight for anyone’s happiness, and your selflessness. But just because you care for your people doesn’t mean you can’t take time for yourself. I won’t force the words out of you, but just know I’ll be here for you when you finally do say them. I love you, Teagan O’Shea, and you’re worth waiting for.”
Teagan stared into the brown eyes of the male who had supported her more than any other person unrelated to her ever had in the past. And all without trying to wrestle away her power or force her into having a family before she was ready.
He might not be her true mate, but Aaron Caruso was quite simply her perfect fit.
She opened her mouth to tell him so when her phone rang.
Aaron plucked it up and handed it to her. The caller ID said Killian. She answered, “Killian?”
Her brother answered, “Yes, it’s me. Orin Daly and his accompanying clan members are at the front gates.”
Teagan had invited the other leaders to stay on Glenlough, but they’d all declined and instead opted to arrive on the day of the challenge. Formality dictated they arrive via the gates instead of the landing areas. “Take him to the main meeting room inside the great hall and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
She clicked off the phone and turned toward Aaron. He nodded and murmured, “I guess it’s showtime.”
Touching his cheek, she leaned over and kissed him. “It’s time to see how the rest of our future plays out.”
“I believe in you, Teagan. Show the others what you’re truly capable of, even without a penis.”
She shook her head before rolling out of bed. “Considering how vulnerable it makes you lot, I’m not sure why it’s such an asset to have.”
Aaron grinned. “Males like having something to play with, so they come up with reasons as to why it’s so important.”
Snorting, she gathered up her clothes. “That sounds about right.” She sobered. “But I should get ready as quickly as possible. That means no sharing a shower today.”
He bobbed his head. “Good idea. Now, hurry up. Males also don’t like to be kept waiting. Remember that.”
She flipped him off before heading to the bathroom.
As she prepared for the most important day of her life, her thoughts kept returning to Aaron’s words. I love you, Teagan O’Shea, and you’re worth waiting for.
Her dragon huffed. You should’ve told him.
There’s too much to do, and I don’t want it to seem forced. I’ll tell him after my victory.
You had better. I’m growing impatient. I want the entire clan to keep their paws off him.
She mentally sighed. I’m fairly certain they already know.
Maybe, but until we declare it in front of the clan and show them we’re not going anywhere, I’m going to keep harping on about it to you.
Just save it until after the challenge is over, aye? We need to work together.
Her dragon grunted. In that, I agree. Let’s get ready and kick some arse.
~~~
Aaron stood at the edge of the rear landing area and watched as Faye MacKenzie’s blue dragon and Grant McFarland’s green dragon touched down. As soon as they were on solid ground, Grant spread his wings in front of Faye. When he lowered them, she stood in her human form, wearing a simple dress.
Grant shifted and soon stood naked next to her in his human form. Aaron approached them and said, “I’ve seen Faye shift before, McFarland.”
Faye rolled her eyes. “Don’t get him started. He tried to prevent me from coming at all, but that didn’t end well.”
Grant grunted. “You’re pregnant. You don’t need any unnecessary stress.”
“Me staying home and twiddling my thumbs is far more stressful,” she stated.
Grant frowned. “You only think it’s more stressful because you’ll be bored.”
Faye shook her head. “Let’s not have this argument again. We’re here, and that can’t be changed.” She looked to Aaron. “And I can’t wait to meet Teagan O’Shea. It’ll be nice to have another female ally in a male-dominated role.”
Aaron raised an eyebrow. “Nikki is a Protector, same as you.”
Nikki Gray was a young female Protector for Stonefire.
Faye waved a hand in dismissal. “And quite pregnant. Otherwise, I’d have invited her along for support. Nikki and I both have to deal with grumpy, overprotective males whilst still kicking arse.”
Grant sighed. “You do realize I’m standing right here?”
Faye patted his chest. “And I love you, overprotectiveness and all.” She looked back to Aaron. “Will we have a chance to meet Teagan before the trials?”
Aaron shook his head. “No. She has to play clan leader and be civil to the bastards who think she’s weak first. The challenge will start in two hours. My job is to bring you to central command and fill you in on your duties.” He motioned with his head. “We should probably get going. Although I’d suggest Grant put on some clothes so the unattached females don’t throw themselves at him.” Aaron winked. “After all, non-Irish dragonmen are becoming popular here.”
Faye searched his gaze. “Yes, about that. Is it true about you shacking up with the leader?”
“It’s not shacking up.”
Faye grinned. “I knew it. I swear Bram plans these things to extend his reach. First Arabella coming to Lochguard and now you to Glenlough. I wonder where he’s going to set his sights on next?”
Arabella MacLeod was originally from Stonefire and had mated the Scottish clan leader the year before.
Aaron sighed. “Not even Bram is that powerful or omniscient to plan such things.” He noticed Grant had tossed on a kilt. “Let’s go. The sooner you’re debriefed, the sooner we can put you in position.”
Aaron started walking and the others followed. Grant spoke up. “Are they finally going to tell us what the challenge is? I can’t bloody judge something I don’t understand.”
“Yes,” Aaron answered. “It’s been kept a secret from most everyone. The judges will all review the plan and voice any objections. If there’s perceived bias, then the challenge will be delayed as the judges hash out changes.”
Faye asked, “Are the other judges already here? I’ve never met anyone from the French clans before.”
“They should be,” Aaron said. “Clan PerleForet is being guarded by one of the other Protectors. You already know the Snowridge pair sent to participate as judges since we all met during the exhibition in Scotland. They sent Wren and Eira.”
Aaron, Faye, Grant, and several other Protectors had served together to protect artists from their respective clans as they participated in an art exhibition that had toured around Scotland. The event had been a sort of outreach between humans and dragon-shifters.
Faye smiled at Grant. “I was busy keeping my mate from killing everyone with a glance, so I didn’t get as many opportunities to talk with the Snowridge Protectors.”
Grant growled. “You spent too much time talking with the bloke from Northcastle.”
Faye shrugged. “We needed to learn about the Northern Irish clan.”
Aaron jumped in. “You may want to keep from mentioning that clan for the time being. Tensions are high here between the two clans.”
“Oops, sorry. I didn’t know,” Faye replied. “I still say we should have a huge party and invite all the clans of the UK and Ireland. With some alcohol and closely watched fight sessions, we’d all get along before too long.”
Grant motioned in front of them. “Let’s finish this first, love, and then we can worry about uniting everyone.”
Faye beamed. “I’m going to hold you to that later.”
As Aaron watched the pair flirt and argue, he didn’t doubt their love for each other. He wondered if he’d have the same with Teagan. Even if she lost, which he didn’t think would happen, he wasn’t giving up on her.
His beast spoke up. Can we start yet? I want this to be over so we can focus on Teagan.
Soon, dragon. It’ll start soon.
They reached central command, and Aaron guided the Scottish dragons inside. He only hoped the challenge was approved by all the judges. He was bloody tired of waiting for this day to end.
~~~
Teagan pasted a smile on her face and walked into the conference room where Orin Daly and Padraig O’Leary sat waiting. While Hugh was participating in the challenge, the meeting was for clan leaders only.
The two males looked at her. Orin, from Greenpeak in Killarney, was first to speak up. “Making us wait to assert your authority isn’t going to intimidate us, girl. Keep that in mind.”
He’d called her “girl” on purpose, but Teagan wasn’t going to rise to the bait. “Believe it or not, I’m not going to drop everything and neglect my clan just to please you.”
The older of the two males, Padraig from Wildheath, frowned. “I hope you were releasing my captive clan member as promised.”
“Oh, he’ll be released once the trials are over.”
So he couldn’t cheat was left unsaid. The bastard hadn’t cracked during his stay on Glenlough.
Teagan continued, “All of your appointed judges are being debriefed as we speak. Once they approve the set of challenges, we’ll begin. This is your last chance to back out and call it off.”
Orin raised an eyebrow. “Getting cold feet, are you?”
“No, I look forward to it,” Teagan said without missing a beat.
Orin shook his head. “This isn’t going to end well for you. It’s not arrogance to say males are stronger. It’s pure fact. Males are leaders. It’s always been that way and it always will be. To defy tradition and logic is to put your own people in danger. Even when you had so-called female leaders, you always hid behind a male. It proves you’re not a good fit for the job. After all, a true leader can lead on his own.”
Her dragon growled. I’m ready for him now.
Believe me, so am I. His arrogance will be his downfall.
She replied to Orin, “Times have changed, gentlemen. In this day and age, it takes more than brawn to keep a clan safe. Besides, females have been clever for centuries. We were afraid of being killed in times past for speaking our minds, but no longer.” She looked at each male in turn. “However, for the time being, our individual opinions don’t matter.” She opened a folder on the table and took out two documents. She handed them to each leader. “These are legally binding statements. You agree that if I win, you acknowledge my right to be leader and won’t attack on those grounds. If you do attack, the DDA will punish you accordingly.”
Padraig muttered, “Hiding behind the DDA is weak.”
“Sign, or forfeit and leave. It’s that simple.”
“I look forward to winning and sending my eldest son to take over your clan. I may even change the clan’s name since Glenlough sounds bloody stupid to me,” Orin stated.
Her dragon spoke up. As if Greenpeak is any better.
Pick your battles, dragon.
Teagan motioned toward the papers. “If you’re so cocky, then sign the papers. You’ll have nothing to lose if you win.”
She didn’t back down from the glares of the two males. They may not like that Teagan had come prepared, but that was their problem. With the Irish DDA on her side, she could maintain some semblance of peace if she won. Only a fool wouldn’t use every tool available.
Her dragon huffed. There’s no ‘if’ about us winning.
Cockiness is a sure path to failure.
There’s a balance between cockiness and confidence. We need that because if we don’t win, then a future with Aaron is uncertain.
Even if we’re banished, I’d still want him.
Let’s not allow it to come to that.
Once the two males finished reading and signing the papers, Teagan collected them. “With that done, you can relax here until the judges make their decisions.” She moved to the door, opened it, and motioned for the person waiting in the hall to enter.
Orla Kelly made her way inside and plopped down on a chair. She eyed the two leaders. “Even though I have a few more gray hairs than you two, make sure not to underestimate me.” She pointed a finger at Padraig. “Your father once tried to kiss me against my will. He earned a scar on his neck for that transgression.”
Padraig raised his brows. “That was you?”
“Aye, it was.” She extended a talon. “So no funny business.”
Teagan bit back a smile at the bewilderment in Padraig’s expression. She spoke to her gran, “If you need anything, Brenna is waiting in the hall.”
Orla leaned forward, never taking her gaze from Orin and Padraig. “That’s right, laddies. Females were sent to be your guards. And don’t think for a second we’re going to cower and run away.”
Orin shook his head. “This just proves further how much Glenlough needs structure. The females are out of control.”
Orla took a small rock from one of her pockets and tossed it at Orin. It bounced off the top of his head. “That was just a small one. I have bigger ones waiting for your true arsehole self to come out.”
Teagan paused to see if Orin would lose control, but the male merely shrugged. “I’m not about to hurt an old female. But I do look forward to locking you up once I’m in charge.”
As her gran grunted and reached for another rock, Teagan decided she had things in hand. “An escort will come if the challenge is approved and we’re ready to begin.”
She exited the room and stopped next to Brenna. Even though the conference room was mostly soundproofed, she whispered, “Keep an ear out and maybe check on her every once in a while. She’s throwing rocks at them, and I’m not sure how long they’ll resist throwing them back.”
Brenna nodded. “Orla can usually take care of herself, but I’ll check on her in a few minutes.”
Teagan touched the Protector’s arm and walked down the hall. It was time to check in with Killian and wait. What happened next was in the hands of the judges.